Pubdate: Tue, 28 Sep 2004
Source: Union Democrat, The (Sonora, CA)
Copyright: 2004 Western Communications, Inc
Contact:  http://uniondemocrat.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/846
Author: Chris Nichols
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

CANNABIS DISPENSARY DEBATED

A bid to open a medical marijuana dispensary in San Andreas yesterday 
spurred spirited debate among Calaveras County supervisors.

One supervisor urged that medical marijuana businesses be banned 
altogether. But the board, at County Counsel James Jones' recommendation, 
delayed a decision on Kim Cue's application for 45 days.

Cue -- who did not speak at yesterday's meeting -- is asking to open his 
business near the Calaveras County Government Center, at Highway 49 and 
Mountain Ranch Road. The dispensary would neighbor the county surveyor's 
office and the local 4-H headquarters.

Marijuana dispensaries -- or cannabis clubs -- became legal in 1996, after 
California voters passed Proposition 215. Although federal laws prohibit 
the use of marijuana for any purpose, the state initiative allows harvest 
and sale of limited amounts of marijuana for medical purposes.

"I think we should say 'We don't want (the dispensary) in the county 
seat,'" said Supervisor Lucy Thein.

She said having such a business near San Andreas Elementary School and 
Calaveras High School was a concern.

"Now if San Andreas just got a strip joint, we would have it all," she joked.

Thein added she was opposed to medical marijuana clubs anywhere in the county.

Supervisors Tom Tryon and Merita Callaway countered that the application 
should be reviewed and not rejected outright. They added the county risked 
a lawsuit otherwise, a sentiment echoed by Jones.

"My guess is it's not legal to have a blanket ban on medical marijuana," 
the county counsel said.

In the coming 45 days, Sheriff Dennis Downum and other county officials 
will review appropriate locations in San Andreas for the proposed 
dispensary. Officials also want time to review limits on how many marijuana 
plants the dispensary could legally harvest and sell.

Tryon said the business should be considered as long as it meets regulations.

"I don't think it's a big deal as long as (the dispensary) doesn't abuse 
it," he said.

The Angels Camp City Council has authorized the operation of medical 
cannabis clubs, but limited where they can operate.

In other business yesterday, supervisors:

Approved several zone changes, including one that some Copperopolis 
residents said would increase traffic, crime and wear and tear on local roads.

Under that change, Lemke Construction Company was authorized to build seven 
condos at 6603 Connor Estates Drive. The plan was opposed by many residents 
of 120-unit Connor Estates subdivision, said Connie Williams, president of 
the tract's homeowner's association.

Susan Larson, a former Calaveras County planning director now representing 
Lemke Construction, said the firm had already agreed with Connor Estates to 
pay for wear and tear on the privately owned Connor Estates Drive.

Approved raising construction and permit fees for some of the county's 
largest industries, including cement plants, mining operations and auto 
paint and body shops.

Fees will increase about 30 percent, and pay for new equipment and 
increased operating costs at the county's Air Pollution Control District. 
The district's construction and permit fees have remained the same since 
1996, said Lakhmir Grewal, deputy air pollution control officer.

Allocated nearly $300,000 in Homeland Security grant funds to the Sheriff's 
Department. The funds will buy six satellite radios, 13 thermal imaging 
cameras, an explosives response truck, an explosives robot and 
modifications to the county's hazardous materials response truck. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake